Author Archive
Cloud & Infrastructure
Communities collect granular broadband data amid wait for better federal maps
Whether gathering address-level availability data from internet service providers or anecdotal evidence from households, communities are working to get a baseline understanding of local broadband access.
Cybersecurity
Water utility cyber investments stymied by unfunded mandates, fiscal pressures
During a House committee hearing, utility representatives said they need more federal money and partnerships to face down cyber threats.
Emerging Tech
Colorado now accepts crypto for state tax payments
The Department of Revenue has added cryptocurrency as a payment type, allowing residents to pay individual and business tax through PayPal.
Cloud & Infrastructure
How one state is clearing hurdles to centralized services delivery
David Partsch, Pennsylvania’s chief data officer, said residents expect government to provide consumer-grade digital services.
Public Safety
San Francisco police to tap private surveillance cameras
A new rule allows the police to request access to footage from non-city-owned cameras for investigations and to monitor events with public safety concerns.
Cloud & Infrastructure
Focus on digital equity in broadband push, official urges
Andy Berke, NTIA’s special representative for broadband, said the infrastructure buildout is just the first step to ensuring that everyone can take advantage of the internet.
Cybersecurity
Federal cyber grants could foster greater cooperation between state, local governments
States can provide cybersecurity services to local governments in lieu of cash funding, DHS said, while required planning committees can comprise many stakeholders.
Cloud & Infrastructure
NYC plan would connect public housing residents to free broadband
Dubbed “Big Apple Connect,” the citywide proposal for more than 200 developments owned by the city’s housing authority looks to connect 300,000 residents by the end of 2023.
Cloud & Infrastructure
State, local agencies to test geographic accuracy of emergency alerts
Amid ongoing concerns from local leaders about the system’s reliability, the FCC will evaluate the accuracy, reliability and speed of Wireless Emergency Alert delivery.
Cybersecurity
How one state bakes cyber into disaster response planning
California uses playbooks and multi-stakeholder exercises to prepare for cyberattacks, focusing on making its response “agile.”
Cloud & Infrastructure
Governments have ‘headroom’ to improve CX
Better customer experience is key to improving trust in government, which is especially critical during times of change, according to a new report.
Cybersecurity
$4M in city’s federal housing funds stolen through email scam
Local and federal law enforcement are investigating a scam in Lexington, Kentucky, which allegedly saw criminals send bogus wire transfer information to city staff.
Cloud & Infrastructure
How Odessa delivers broadband to homes and businesses at no cost to the city
The partnership gives SiFi Networks right-of-way access to install fiber for its open access network in the Texas town – and even pays the city a licensing fee.
Cloud & Infrastructure
25 Gbps internet service now available in Chattanooga
EPB, the city’s municipal utility, said the service will initially be rolled out to the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Convention Center.
Cybersecurity
Collaboration, training key to local gov cyber defense, officials say
By taking advantage of free resources, education and partnerships, local officials can better prepare themselves for inevitable attacks.
Cybersecurity
Former NY state employee admits to identity theft, abusing IT access
The employee pleaded guilty to creating and approving false unemployment insurance applications, including for pandemic relief, by using his state computer access.
Emerging Tech
Michigan expands EV charging network with AI-powered partner
With machine learning software, Volta Charging can identify optimal locations for chargers, helping the state to site them in low-income and environmental justice communities.
Cloud & Infrastructure
Cloud modernization requires ‘whole of government’ effort
Minnesota CIO Tarek Tomes said states must see the transition to cloud as a continually evolving effort, not just a series of one-off investments.
Public Safety
Baltimore police to upgrade cell phone tracking tech
The city approved a $920,000 purchase of a cell site simulator, known as a “stingray,” that police said helps further investigations.
Cloud & Infrastructure